We're getting our basset hound puppy from a reputable breeder in early June, after literally waiting for ages for the moment to arrive...the pups were whelped successfully last Wednesday.

So, in preparation of the pups arrival in several weeks (or for what seems like eternity), I decided to do some on-line shopping/browsing for some pet supplies.

And much to my disgust and frustration, most of the REALLY cutesy, adorable, trendy-looking stuff is geared toward the toy breeds, and to the "tea-cup" designer dog fad (barf...er...excuse me). I also have a large golden retriever, and a chow/rottie/lab mix, and have yet to see ANY really COOL "upscale" looking products for larger breeds that are even remotely as "couture" as what is being geared for the Hilton-puppy wannabe's. I can find rather plain functional stuff that fits my large dogs, such as rain slickers, nice ceramic plain-jane dog bowls, nice leashes, etc. But...my chow/rottie/lab, as large and "in-charge" as she is, she's actually very lady-like and feminine, and I could see her with some of those pretty sequin hoodies, and rhinestone sweaters, and in a bedazzled blingy carrier for car rides and trips, etc.

Our basset puppy will be a female...and she too will grow to be a large-breed dog, although of short stature. Most of the t-shirts, and sweaters, and fun clothing items are really not made for a basset's build...they have almost abnormally deep chests, some can be rather girthy around the middle, and most of the sweaters aren't long enough to accommodate their lengthy bodies. Even the coats with the strap around the middle may not work for this breed...

So, why do the toys and designers have all the fun, anyway? Most of us large-breed lovers on here think our dogs are every bit as cute, and snuggly, and accessory-worthy as their tiny counterparts...